Human Rights Statement 2025

OVERVIEW

At Avon, we’re guided by our belief that a better world for women is a better world for all. We encourage everyone to embrace their power and, with beauty and community at heart, we uplift women, speak out on issues that matter to them, and help transform lives for the better.

We’re committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights, including the rights of women and girls, across every part of our business operations and supply chains. This includes taking action through advanced processes to identify, prevent and mitigate any involvement in human rights violations, addressing concerns that may arise, and seeking opportunities to help end gender-based violence and discrimination.

This commitment applies to our associates (employees), Representatives, temporary or agency workers, franchisees, suppliers and partners. Every person and organisation associated with Avon has a role in upholding human rights.

WOMEN AND UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS

Our focus is on progress for women, who are at the heart of our brand as customers, associates and Representatives.

We’re proud that almost 50% of our senior leaders are women, and that we have a gender pay gap of less than 1%.

We recognise that women and girls in our value chains and in the communities where we operate can face specific human rights risks. These include a heightened risk of gender-based violence and discrimination at work, as well as systemic barriers to achieving pay equality and career advancement.

We're committed to being open to everyone. We know that under-represented groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ communities and people with disabilities can also face disadvantages in life and work. That is why we commit to driving inclusion and belonging through initiatives such as Inclusive Engagement and Associate Resource Groups, ensuring that every voice is heard.

Our human rights work aligns with key international frameworks and standards:

Where domestic laws and international human rights standards differ, we commit to the higher standard and encourage third parties to follow this approach.

HOW WE PREVENT, IDENTIFY AND TACKLE HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS

Because the wellbeing of people and planet are inextricably linked, our human rights approach falls under our sustainability vision and targets.

 

 

We don’t have a single human rights policy – this area of our work is covered by a number of our employment and procurement policies and codes of conduct.

We’re committed to taking a human rights due diligence approach throughout our business and supply chains.

This includes:

  •  Assessing human rights risks, including countries products, ingredients, materials, or suppliers and resellers
  • Preventing, reducing and managing any identified risks through clear systems, policies and decisions.
  • Using robust data to inform our decisions and track our progress.
  • Actively creating positive change for people who work for and with us, including our suppliers and partners.
  • Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of our processes, and reporting on our work.

OUR PEOPLE

We endeavour to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive and supportive employer that provides safe and decent working conditions.

All our associates are paid at least the Living Wage and benefit from a range of progressive employment policies, supportive workplace programmes and access to Associate Resource Groups.

Our Employee Code of Conduct requires all our associates to uphold human rights, behave ethically, and treat others with dignity and respect – not doing so may be grounds for dismissal. Associates must attend annual training on these topics.

We survey all associates on ethics and compliance, along with other topics, and listen to what they tell us.

Anyone can become an Avon Representative and work the way they want. We’re proud to empower many women, some of whom have few other income-generating opportunities. Our independent self-employed Representatives are expected to comply with direct sales codes of conduct and local laws and standards in their markets and also offer Representatives redress channels though our Ethics Line and local market channels.

OUR SUPPLY CHAINS

All of Avon’s vendors must sign up to our Supplier Code of Conduct. This sets clear expectations for upholding labour rights, protecting human rights, and conducting business ethically.

When concerns or breaches are identified, we will engage with suppliers to understand the issue, support corrective action, and strengthen future practices.

Ending a supplier relationship remains possible, but our focus is on building long-term, transparent partnerships that raise standards across our supply chain.

In line with best practice, we have specific supplier guidelines relating to critical and high-risk materials that may be linked to environmental or social risks, including the potential for labour exploitation. We also have procurement policies in place for these materials and report publicly on our progress towards achieving our sourcing goals for these materials.

We’re active members of several commodity-specific action groups and initiatives that aim to strengthen human rights and drive systemic change.

OUR WIDER IMPACT

Using our voice and resources, we support causes that strengthen women’s health and wellbeing.

Since 1992, Avon and the Avon Foundation have donated over US$1.1 billion to women’s causes. Our programme to help End Violence Against Women raises awareness of this global issue and where to get help. Through local partnerships, we fund frontline services to support women affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in multiple countries.

We make training available to all associates on how to spot and report GBV through our Allies against Abuse programme. Any Avon associate who experiences or suspects GBV has access to confidential specialist external support. Our GBV Ambassadors receive additional training to support GBV survivors.

HUMAN RIGHTS GOVERNANCE

Our CEO and Enabling Leadership Team are accountable for driving our human rights initiatives. Specific responsibilities sit with multiple leaders and teams, including Legal Counsel, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief People Officer, and the Chief Marketing Officer. Together, they work across all functions connected to human rights issues in our operations and supply chains. Any activities or concerns relating to human rights are included in our quarterly management reporting.

HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES

In 2024 we mapped the severity and likelihood of the main human rights risks linked to our business activities and products. This analysis guided us to prevent and reduce risks, as well as positive actions to support people across our business and supply chains.

As our business evolves, we’ll continue to update our human rights policies and procedures, with a particular focus on women's rights and labour rights.

For questions surrounding this statement please contact: media@avon.com